PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia health officials have learned valuable lessons since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As measles cases rise across the country, they say that the healthcare community is working to better communicate the importance of vaccination.
Dr. Rene Najera with the College of Physicians of Philadelphia said the pandemic shed light on many issues.
“What we saw during the pandemic is that a lot of children lost access to vaccination. Children went without getting their shots as necessary,” said Najera. “The first dose of the vaccine is recommended at 12 months and the second around 4 to 6 years old.”
He suggested everyone check their vaccination status, emphasizing that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. According to Najera, the vaccine has a good track record for safety and is highly effective.
“Getting one dose gives you about 93 to 95 % protection. Getting two doses gives you 98 to 99% protection,” explained Najera. “So even if you miss one dose, it increases your risk.”
Philadelphia health officials reported the first measles case of the year in Montgomery County and warned of possible exposure in two other locations. As of March 21st, officials have confirmed a total of three measles cases in New Jersey.
“The reason why alarms go off is because something went wrong. Measles is usually indicative of a greater health need,” said Najera. “If the child isn’t vaccinated against measles what else are they not vaccinated against? Pertussis or whooping cough.”
Dr. Nejera recommends speaking with your family doctor about vaccination.